6 Tips for Hosting a Bridal Shower on a Budget

Wedding season is just around the corner. And while it’s an honor to be chosen to be a bridesmaid, costs can add up quickly – on average over $1,000. One tradition that can break the bank is throwing a bridal shower for your BFF. Check out these 6 tips on how to save money and still throw an awesome bridal shower on a budget:

Bridal Shower Tip No. 1 – Create a Budget

Use an online money management tool like Trends Personal Finance Manager to create a bridal shower budget. Log every expense, great or small, to help you stay on track.

If you have several months or possibly even a year to save for your bridal party expenses, open a Special Savings Account and allocate a portion of each paycheck to cover the shower, travel expenses, dress and everything else that comes with being a bridesmaid.

Bridal Shower Tip No. 2 – Online Invitations

Save money on the cost of invitations and postage when you utilize sites like Evite or minted® to create fun bridal shower online invites.

Bridal Shower Tip No. 3 – Signature Drink

Wine, beer, and spirits add up quickly. Save money by creating and serving a signature cocktail – one that matches the wedding’s color scheme, honeymoon destination or maybe it’s the Brides go-to cocktail. Cosmopolitans, Fuzzy Navels or a pitcher of Sangria are always popular choices; or if you know someone who is a bartender have them create a memorable signature concoction just for the party.

You’ll save even more by buying generic liquor and foregoing top shelf brands or hosting an afternoon tea party instead.

Bridal Shower Tip No. 4 – Host at Home

Instead of holding the bridal shower at a country club, fancy restaurant or legion hall save money by holding the party at your house. Sure you’ll have to clean up before and after the event, but think of all the money you’ll save. If weather permits, take the party outside.

Save even more by purchasing party favors, dinnerware, napkins and the like at the local dollar store.

Bridal Shower Tip No. 5 – Recipe for Saving

Cut into your bridal shower food budget by hosting a Recipe Shower Potluck. Invite everyone to bring their signature dish, with the recipe, and items to prepare it – for example, a bundt cake and a mixer or lasagna and a set of baking dishes. The bride will have a well stocked kitchen and tasty recipes; and you’ll save lots of money.

Bridal Shower Tip No. 6 – Edible Party Favors

Give your guests something sweet to take home by baking shortbread or sugar cookies and wrapping them in cellophane with ribbon to match your bridesmaids’ dresses. Or for something a bit more whimsical, create cake-pop bouquets.

Bonus Tip

Pick up seasonal flowers at your local grocery store or super store to create colorful floral displays, which can easily be arranged in a Ball® Jar or vase. Or, if you prefer, arrange in an elegant vase that you can give the bride as your shower gift.

And when you use a DuPage Credit Union Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card for all of your bridal shower purchases, you’ll gift yourself by earning Choice Rewards Points for all your purchases that can be used for cash back, travel rewards and even gift cards.

Do you have any tips for hosting a bridal shower on a budget? If so, please share below: